The manager of Dreamland Gran Canaria, Jaka Lakovic, provided an update regarding the Claretian roster ahead of tomorrow’s derby against Tenerife, following the absence of John Shurna for five weeks due to injury. The serious injury of Carlos Alocén, which unfortunately is longer-term, is a significant setback for him as a player and poses challenges for our team and project. Mike Tobey sustained a knock, but we anticipate his participation tomorrow, while Joe Thomasson twisted his ankle slightly, yet there’s hope he can return to the match as well. Our primary focus is on Carlos’s full and safe recovery. We are here to support him on this journey, which is predicted to last around eight to nine months, working closely with the coaches to encourage and keep him engaged during this time.
Uplifted, but not defeated
Addressing the team’s morale, the Slovenian stated, “I was with him during the resonance imaging at the hospital. I find him optimistic and determined to overcome the injury even stronger. However, he already has experience on this path he must tread. He has our unwavering support during this challenging period until he can rejoin us on the court.” “Undoubtedly, he is affected emotionally, even though he exhibits strength, ambition, and a desire to overcome this. This response is perfectly understandable, and it’s precisely during these tough times that we must support him more than ever, demonstrating our sense of team and camaraderie, which we intend to do,” he cautioned.
The Balkan coach acknowledged, “The team is affected both due to personal connections with Carlos and his contributions on the court. Advanced statistics illustrate that he played a pivotal role in our victories and overall gameplay. Right now, after experiencing four consecutive losses, this challenging situation compels me to reflect. Each game carries its distinct narrative, but I believe the recurring issue in the last three matches could be the lack of intensity possibly resulting from fatigue. With Alocén’s absence, we approach this derby less than optimally. Nevertheless, I trust that this game can ignite that energy and excitement that typically comes with derby matches, providing an extra boost from our supporters.”
Comments from Vandreta
Lakovic declined to comment on Vidorreta’s remarks regarding their intentions to challenge the yellows once more, expressing surprise: “I listened to the press conference, but I don’t attach much significance to it; I don’t analyse it too deeply. We focus on preparing for the game as usual but with slight adjustments, taking into account our rotations. Tenerife is a dependable team and is currently leading the league in attack efficiency. They possess a roster filled with experience, talent, and quality, showcasing exceptional basketball this year, making them a formidable opponent both at home and away. Tomorrow’s match will be challenging, and Tenerife is riding a wave of good form, having remained fresh without travel commitments since October in Europe, which is a significant factor at this time of the season.”
The complexities of the market and alternatives to Alocén
Regarding possible options in the market to fill Alocén’s role in rotation, the Balkan coach stated, “We are always vigilant regarding the market, but this situation is particularly complex. He is a national player, meaning our options for replacements are quite limited. We are aware that we must take action, but concurrently, I believe Jovan Kljajic and Dylan Bordón can step up to support us.” On Argentine Dylan Bordón, he noted that “he is getting closer to being ready, but considering the significance of the coming matches, particularly in Copa del Rey and others, it would be risky to assume he is fully prepared at this stage, although we are hopeful that the right moment for him will arrive soon.”
The coach acknowledged the search for a short-term solution to counter Carlos Alocén’s absence against the Laguneros, noting that “in addition to Jovan, Dylan, and Albicy, we might consider Caleb Homesley as another option. However, we must monitor our rotations based on how the game unfolds and the necessities arising since predicting such occurrences is challenging.”
The mental aspect and the team’s negative streak
Discussing the significance of mental resilience in derbies, especially in closely contested matches, the Balkan coach pointed out that “in the last derby, we managed to make a comeback and could compete; however, our poor start significantly impacted our progress. Therefore, it is imperative we launch strongly, with confidence, to take control of this match from the outset. We cannot afford another slow start and must exert ourselves thoroughly to surpass a well-experienced team that maintains control and operates the game rhythmically, as they have the least possessions league-wide. We need to be prepared and very aggressive from the start.
Reflecting on the recent setbacks faced by the team, Lakovic remarked, “We have endured four consecutive losses, yet each has a unique context. In the first match against Barça, we competed admirably and had chances to win or draw at the end. However, in the following three defeats, a persistent issue has been our lack of intensity. I am confident our players wish to compete and win, as they have demonstrated consistently. The taxing schedule and travel have undoubtedly taken a toll, especially as we come off a demanding journey, which has been unprecedented in my three years here, and I suspect we are all experiencing some repercussions from that.” He continued, “It’s easy to state that there’s a lack of intensity, but the results are what they are. We do our utmost to prepare for these matches, though our shooting percentages and rebounds have suffered; it’s all interconnected.”
In light of the Tenerife’s schedule, having had the luxury of preparing at home without mid-week fixtures, the Slovenian observed that “this greatly impacts them, as they field one of the most experienced teams in the league, and that freshness is crucial. They’ve enjoyed a full week to prepare for tomorrow’s derby, but while we recognise that, our primary concern is focusing on ourselves to ensure we play our best game, controlling what is within our reach.”
With regard to the support from the yellow tide, Lakovic expressed, “We are consistently grateful for the unconditional support we receive from our fans; it provides that extra burst of energy for our players and plays a pivotal role in changing games and clinching victories. Rather than ask for more from them, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to this loyal fanbase that is always with us.”
Shermadini and officiating
Jaka Lakovic addressed inquiries regarding the challenges faced in containing Shermadini, one of the pivotal centres, asserting: “They tend to receive more fouls than us (laughs). I am pleased with the progression shown by Massamba Diop, which grants us an additional option in our rotation and potentially five more scoring opportunities in a match. We recognise his capacity to integrate into both ACB and Eurocup rotations, so we must remain vigilant and have pre-planned strategies ready should we encounter foul trouble with our centres, particularly on the defensive end.”
Concerning the designation of favourites, the Granca coach noted, “Derbies are unique contests; it is our duty to deliver 100% and then some in such a fixture that injects adrenaline and ambition. It is something that can enable us to achieve remarkable feats; these games are always thrilling and intense. In previous derbies, we noted a lack of intensity, but I believe this will not be the case tomorrow, as our players possess tremendous enthusiasm and ambition, and they will tap into the requisite energy to engage in this derby.” “My focus is what lies ahead, but for tomorrow, I am confident in our players and their ability to perform well; there are no favourites,” he concluded.
